Direct Support Staff
About The Position
This home care position provides Recovery Assistant services to participants in their homes and other community settings in Norwalk, Connecticut. Services must last at least 15 minutes and are provided according to the participant’s Recovery Plan. The role supports participants who, because of a physical or psychiatric disability, are unable to complete certain activities independently, or who benefit from assistance or cues. The work includes support with household and personal-care tasks; health, safety, and medication routines; social and community participation; appointments and commitments; and efforts to promote functioning, independence, and community reintegration. The role also involves supportive discussions and companionship, participation in Recovery Plan meetings when requested by a DMHAS Support Coordinator, and travel with a participant while engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess at least a high school diploma or GED.
- Possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
- Be registered with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) as having completed an approved Recovery Assistant training program.
- Have a criminal background check conducted within six months of application.
- Meet any continuing education and/or training requirements set by DMHAS.
Responsibilities
- Provide Recovery Assistant services of at least 15 minutes in the participant’s home and other community settings, according to the Recovery Plan.
- Perform or assist with meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, clothing repairs, and basic household tasks when the participant is unable to perform them independently.
- Assist or cue participants with dressing, grooming, bathing, oral care, and other personal hygiene tasks.
- Support appropriate use of emergency medical services and routine medical and dental services.
- Assist or cue participants with prescribed medication use, including self-administration.
- Assist or cue participants to engage in family, social, recreational, and community-support activities.
- Encourage healthy habits, including a healthy diet, exercise, and behaviors designed to alleviate stress.
- Help participants fulfill personal commitments and attend scheduled clinical, vocational, educational, and judicial or court appointments and meetings.
- Assist or cue participants to avoid risky behaviors, substance abuse, overspending, and unnecessary conflicts.
- Have supportive, problem-solving-oriented discussions with participants and establish a helpful, supportive companionship relationship.
- Escort participants to necessary medical, dental, or personal business appointments; read to or for participants; and engage in or discuss recreational, hobby, or sports activities.
- Support activities aimed at reducing disability, restoring functioning, and achieving independent participation in social, interpersonal, family, or community activities and community reintegration.
- Participate in waiver Recovery Plan development and quarterly Recovery Plan update meetings if requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator.
- Travel with a participant when also engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
